One out of every five dog bites in this country causes an injury to the victim that necessitates medical care. For these victims, there is little comfort in the fact that they can seek compensation from the dog’s owner. However, compensation could help them to get the care they need for the dog bite.
A dog’s mouth is full of bacteria. When the dog bites someone, that bacteria can be transferred into the bite puncture wound. This area can become a hotbed for infection, which is why seeking medical care is crucial if the skin is broken by the bite. Some bite wounds might need stitches, but this is something that is the center of some controversy because stitching the wound could trap bacteria and provide a favorable environment for infection to set in.
There are some very important steps that must be taken after a dog bites you. First, you need to care for the wound. This includes washing the area with soap and water. Typically, you will need to take antibiotics for a specific amount of time to help prevent an infection from running rampant.
As soon as you are able, you should contact animal control to make a report of the bite. This is especially important if there is some question about whether the dog has had the appropriate vaccinations. In some cases, it might be necessary for the dog to be quarantined.
Seeking compensation after a dog bite might be a rather complex undertaking. You may have to show what was happening when the dog bit you. Knowing what factors you should focus on in these cases can help you as you build your case.
Source: WebMD, “Dog Bites,” accessed Dec. 02, 2016